Thom Erb's Blog, page 3

Reflections & Resolutions

2012-2013 Reflections & Resolutions-

I usually write all the end of the year shenanigans prior to the silly ball dropping but this year, I decided to spend that time with my lovely bride and just detach for a bit.  
But, here we are, a few shambling steps into the new year and I am ready to face 2013 with both my Irish fists raised, my Muse,  heart and mind wide open for all that is possible.
Now, whoa.  before I go getting all Dalai Lama on you, I first wanted to look back at the year that just pulled it's blanket over its head and flipped the door sign to "Do Not Disturb".
In years past, I would drone on and on, and lament on the good and bad things that had occurred but me approach has changed.
Here's the reader's digest version of Erbal 2012:
On a personal note. I celebrated 20 years with Shelly, the love of my life and my Muse.  How's she's put up with me, I have no idea. The woman should be a saint!
I reached one of my goals and had my short story "The Unfortunate Case of Carleton Meeks" published in SHROUD Magazine issue #12.  I love this publication and the amazing people that create it.You can pick it up here!
Another short story, "Pickin' & Grinnin'" was published in E-Volve Books, "Relics & Remains" anthology.I also was the cover artist on the project.  I'm really proud of both the artwork any my story.Here is where you can snag it!
I also finished my second novella, "Going back to Houston" , which is in the hands of my beta-readers.  I'm editing now and hope to polish it up to showroom standards and get it into the hands of some high end publishing houses soon.  This story is my nod to Joe R. Lansdale, Joe McKinney and Jonathan Maberry. All those dudes have influenced me more than words can say.  I'm really excited about this story.
I signed a contract for my first novella, but that's for 2013. More on that below.

There was some sadness this past year. Shelly and I said goodbye to our stubborn but loving dog, Duchess.  I miss the girl and that's all I'll say about that.
Anthocon was a highlight and I miss everyone already. Next year I will be healthy and ready to kick arse and take names.  
I edited a holiday ebook called Christmas in Hell.  I was lucky to have wrangled so many talented writers to share the darkest Christmas stories.  I also was blessed to have Shelly work with me on the cover of the book.  It was a great time.  
Bottom line for 2012:  I've inched forward in my writing career and lept tall buildings in my personal life.  'Nuff said.

And now...onto   2013!
Five things course through my mind for this year:

  1. My novella "TONES of HOME", and its prequel:"1977- The birth and death of the King"  will be released by Crowded Quarantine Publications in May.
 2. Read a lot more. 3. Write a lot more.
   and....
  3. Finish the YA Novel and trilogy proposal.  4.  GET AN AGENT!  5. GET A BOOK DEAL!!!

There are other projects in my Erbal Que and you should be aware of them.
I will be illustrating a short story I wrote for a graphic novel compilation.And...  I will be pitching an ongoing comic book project.  I will be going to my old school roots!
So.... I want to thank all those in advance for supporting me and my work.  If you've purchased books my work have been in, thank you so much!  If you haven't.... Now is the time to climb aboard the Erbal Freight Train!  Onwards and upwards from here.
I'm blessed to be able to create and write for a living.  If you continue to read my stories, I promise to keep creating tales you want to read!
Sound like a deal?  You and me...in this together?  whaddya say?
I've got your back....Do you have mine?   Groovy!  Let's start the Erbalpocalypse together!!!
Please spread the word about my blog.  Leave comments on it.  Post reviews about my work.  Reviews are like gold to writers.  Share my books with friends.  Encourage them to buy books of their own!  Word of mouth is the secret gang!
Ready?  Set...  GO!!!

(This is a mock up cover I created and is not anything of...

(This is a mock up cover I created and is not anything official.  Just something I always do when I start a new writing project to get my creative mojo flowing.)
THE NEXT BIG “ERBAL” THING BLOG HOP: The YA EDITION.

Greetings mighty readers! I am here to share with you my second go-around of the Next Big Thing Hop. This time it's all about my first foray into the exciting, challenging world of Young Adult fiction.

I had the honor of being tagged for this nifty blog hop deal by my favorite Canadian writer and almost neighbor and one helluva guy, Sir Gord Rollo. If you haven't read any of the man's work, first, palm plant your forehead twenty-two times (how many is that in Canadian?) then, head on over to Mr. Rollo's website and check him out and buy some of his killer work!http://gordrollo.com/
My current WIP is a YA novel, with plans to write two more. I'm getting ahead of myself (again)Here we go again my friends.
This WIP is a true work in progress. (the last one was in the hands of beta-readers and in the middle of my own edits.) this baby is as fresh a the new-fallen snow.
Without further ado, let's jump into the world of THE NIGHT EATERS- Book One of the After School Monster Hunter Club.


What is the working title of your book?
The title THE NIGHT EATERS. It's book one out of three. (maybe four.)

Where did the idea come from for the book?
The story has some basis in truth. Not that much, really. Just enough to kick my Muse into gear. I wanted to do an updated and Erbal version of Scooby Do, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Monster Squad, but with more meat and less cheesiness. (although, I can never avoid infusing humor into my stories.)
So, the long and longer of it is, I was driving through my small hometown and went passed this old cold-storage building and I thought, “I could so, see some teenagers getting into some serious trouble in there!” and pulled over with the rough idea.

What genre does your book fall under?
Young Adult suspense, mystery, horror. I think I've covered most of the bases there. As with every story I write, by their very nature, they seem to breech genre boundaries and blend together into a pretty eclectic stew. I'm truly excited to see how this recipe turns out.


Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Ah, the cast? Hmmm. That's one of my favorite steps in starting a new book. With this one, it's a bit more difficult because of the number of teenage characters. This will be an ongoing process. So, for the sake of this blog post. I will leave it as a WIP.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
When pets and students go missing in the small lakeside town of Shoalewater cove go missing, teenager Bernie Billings and his friends band together to solve the mystery of the Night Eaters.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
This project is all about going big, or going home. My HWA Mentor and friend, Jonathan Maberry (yes, shameless namedrop.. so what?) told me this was the story to write. So I am . My goal is to make this a kick butt book and get it into the hands of an agent and then onto the Big Guys. I am hoping this is the “one”.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I'm in the throws of it right now. To be honest, it's been a rough go of it. Writing YA is a totally different bird than the normal stuff I write. So it's taking me a bit to get my YA legs under me. I'm getting there though and really loving it. I guess you can't keep the inner thirteen year old down, too long. I'm shooting to have the first draft done by St. Patricks Day, if not before. The holidays always throws my game off. But I really want to see how this story turns out.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Closed for the Season by, would be a good one. I'm drawing a lot of inspiration from R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series, which my daughter gobbled up in droves as a young'n. I'm relatively new to the YA genre and I am thoroughly enjoying exploring the great number of books out there.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
It was a series of things. The “Who” part would be writers such as, Stephen King (The Body), Robert McGammon(A Boy's Life) and Jonathan Maberry (the Rot and Ruin series.) Those dudes know what to tell a tale. As far as what goes? I would say, the need to explore that world. I've done zombies, vampires, psychotic killers. It was time I jumped into a new realm and see what happens when teenagers get a hold of a book they shouldn’t read from and all hell breaks loose when they do. I also have been very concerned with the rise of bullying in our schools and our society for that matter. Being someone who had to deal with his own fair share of it back in school, I was familiar with the struggle and the pain of dealing with it. So, I wanted to tie in this issue with a really fun, dark story. I think it's working swimmingly, so far.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
I knew when I started to flesh the story concept out, that I would need to make it more than just another “kids find monsters in their small town and have to defeat them before they miss recess, kind of thing. So I mulled it over for a while and out of the blue, my Muse cleared her throat (yes, she is a she.) and tapped me on the shoulder with a shovel and gave me the most amazing solution I could have dreamed of. I won't share it now because well... then it wouldn’t be surprise now would it?
I'll say that it's the hook that would tie the all the books together and make the reader extremely happy that they decided to buy the book and join me on my adventure.

And now, I give you these amazing friends and writers to explore and support! You will dig them. I promise. Give them much Erbal love!

Brady Allen: http://www.bradyallen.com/Ben Eads: http://beneadsfiction.com/Kurt Criscione:http://kurtmcriscione.macabreink.com/

(This is a mock up cover I created and is not anything of...

(This is a mock up cover I created and is not anything official.  Just something I always do when I start a new writing project to get my creative mojo flowing.)
THE NEXT BIG “ERBAL” THING BLOG HOP: The YA EDITION.

Greetings mighty readers! I am here to share with you my second go-around of the Next Big Thing Hop. This time it's all about my first foray into the exciting, challenging world of Young Adult fiction.

I had the honor of being tagged for this nifty blog hop deal by my favorite Canadian writer and almost neighbor and one helluva guy, Sir Gord Rollo. If you haven't read any of the man's work, first, palm plant your forehead twenty-two times (how many is that in Canadian?) then, head on over to Mr. Rollo's website and check him out and buy some of his killer work!http://gordrollo.com/
My current WIP is a YA novel, with plans to write two more. I'm getting ahead of myself (again)Here we go again my friends.
This WIP is a true work in progress. (the last one was in the hands of beta-readers and in the middle of my own edits.) this baby is as fresh a the new-fallen snow.
Without further ado, let's jump into the world of THE NIGHT EATERS- Book One of the After School Monster Hunter Club.


What is the working title of your book?
The title THE NIGHT EATERS. It's book one out of three. (maybe four.)

Where did the idea come from for the book?
The story has some basis in truth. Not that much, really. Just enough to kick my Muse into gear. I wanted to do an updated and Erbal version of Scooby Do, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Monster Squad, but with more meat and less cheesiness. (although, I can never avoid infusing humor into my stories.)
So, the long and longer of it is, I was driving through my small hometown and went passed this old cold-storage building and I thought, “I could so, see some teenagers getting into some serious trouble in there!” and pulled over with the rough idea.

What genre does your book fall under?
Young Adult suspense, mystery, horror. I think I've covered most of the bases there. As with every story I write, by their very nature, they seem to breech genre boundaries and blend together into a pretty eclectic stew. I'm truly excited to see how this recipe turns out.


Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Ah, the cast? Hmmm. That's one of my favorite steps in starting a new book. With this one, it's a bit more difficult because of the number of teenage characters. This will be an ongoing process. So, for the sake of this blog post. I will leave it as a WIP.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
When pets and students go missing in the small lakeside town of Shoalewater cove go missing, teenager Bernie Billings and his friends band together to solve the mystery of the Night Eaters.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
This project is all about going big, or going home. My HWA Mentor and friend, Jonathan Maberry (yes, shameless namedrop.. so what?) told me this was the story to write. So I am . My goal is to make this a kick butt book and get it into the hands of an agent and then onto the Big Guys. I am hoping this is the “one”.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
I'm in the throws of it right now. To be honest, it's been a rough go of it. Writing YA is a totally different bird than the normal stuff I write. So it's taking me a bit to get my YA legs under me. I'm getting there though and really loving it. I guess you can't keep the inner thirteen year old down, too long. I'm shooting to have the first draft done by St. Patricks Day, if not before. The holidays always throws my game off. But I really want to see how this story turns out.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Closed for the Season by, would be a good one. I'm drawing a lot of inspiration from R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series, which my daughter gobbled up in droves as a young'n. I'm relatively new to the YA genre and I am thoroughly enjoying exploring the great number of books out there.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
It was a series of things. The “Who” part would be writers such as, Stephen King (The Body), Robert McGammon(A Boy's Life) and Jonathan Maberry (the Rot and Ruin series.) Those dudes know what to tell a tale. As far as what goes? I would say, the need to explore that world. I've done zombies, vampires, psychotic killers. It was time I jumped into a new realm and see what happens when teenagers get a hold of a book they shouldn’t read from and all hell breaks loose when they do. I also have been very concerned with the rise of bullying in our schools and our society for that matter. Being someone who had to deal with his own fair share of it back in school, I was familiar with the struggle and the pain of dealing with it. So, I wanted to tie in this issue with a really fun, dark story. I think it's working swimmingly, so far.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
I knew when I started to flesh the story concept out, that I would need to make it more than just another “kids find monsters in their small town and have to defeat them before they miss recess, kind of thing. So I mulled it over for a while and out of the blue, my Muse cleared her throat (yes, she is a she.) and tapped me on the shoulder with a shovel and gave me the most amazing solution I could have dreamed of. I won't share it now because well... then it wouldn’t be surprise now would it?
I'll say that it's the hook that would tie the all the books together and make the reader extremely happy that they decided to buy the book and join me on my adventure.

And now, I give you these amazing friends and writers to explore and support! You will dig them. I promise. Give them much Erbal love!

Brady Allen: http://www.bradyallen.com/Ben Eads: http://beneadsfiction.com/Kurt Criscione:http://kurtmcriscione.macabreink.com/

Pickin' & Grinnin' the Holidays!

RELICS & REMAINS IS NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK!!!!
The Erbal tidal wave is building steam and with the release of the incredibly strong anthology, my short story, "Pickin' & Grinnin'" is adding ten feet the monster wave!
I'm honored to be sharing pages with so many talented authors. And I humbly add that the cover art and design was created by yours truly. I'm really proud of both the story and the artwork. I know you find folks will dig it.
 Check it out today.



Relics & Remains. Edited by Ty Schwamberger
Synopsis

People have always been fascinated about the past. Some even going to great lengths to uncover what’s taken place long ago. But sometimes when people venture into locations that aren’t suitable for the living, bad things can happen.That’s when these self-proclaimed explorers start to unearth strange looking, ancient artifacts and the cursed remains of the once-living. They think they’re going to be rich and famous. But, that might just be the furthest from the truth. To them, taking that risk is what it’s all about…until things start to go wrong.So, for those of you into ‘finding’ strange things, here are some words of advice…Proceed with caution when digging up someone else’s Relics & Remains.

Table of Contents 
“Good For What Ails Ya” by Mike Oliveri

“Many Faces” by Wrath James White

“Centuries of Torment” by Adam P. Lewis

“The Black Diamond” by Michael Laimo

“Caroline’s Playhouse” by Dean Harrison

“The Painter” by Deborah LeBlanc

“Rachel Alhazred’s Tablet” by Steven L. Shrewsbury

“Adrift” by Dora Machado

“Monkey Paw 2.0” by Tim Deal

“Pickin’ & Grinnin’” by Thomas A. Erb

“Whispers at the End of Creation” by Maurice Broaddus

“Nailed” by John Everson

“’Chomp’ A Cautionary Tale” by Jeff Strand




Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK0ilDBONS8&feature=share&list=UU5-_ze3SzwV2Rb_0cLFPEGA

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Relics-Remains-Ty-Schwamberger/dp/1481112031/ref=la_B0049D761A_1_6_title_0_main?ie=UTF8&qid=1354293187&sr=1-6

Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Relics-Remains-Anthology-Chilling-ebook/dp/B00A0AJ6BO/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351864918&sr=1-2

Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/relics-and-remains/1113727448?ean=2940015930443

THE NEXT BIG "ERBAL" THING BLOG HOP

          
Howdy folks, I hope the the holiday season is being very, very kind to you. All is just golden in the Erbal World.
Let's get down to business.
I was asked by my friend and Canadian writer Mandy DeGeit to participate in this crazy NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP thingy.
Before I get this blog underway, head on over to Mandy's home and check her out.http://mandydegeit.wordpress.com/
Okay, My current WIP is a retro zombie novella that's in the hand's of some of my beta-readers, but I've gotten some of their notes back and will start my next revision within the week.
Here's a little more detail about this dark, brooding tale.


What is the working title of your book?
The title is “GOING BACK TO HOUSTON” . As with all of my work, everything is inspired by music. From story titles to chapter headings. It's just the way I work and GBTH is a perfect title for this story.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
I've been reading a lot of Joe R. Lansdale and Elmore Leonard and watching one of my favorite television shows, Justified. And I'd finished a zombie novel a couple of years ago and it's been sitting on a shelf in a bad need of a monster revision. But my love for zombies wouldn't die with that project.I was listening to a Dean Martin CD one day while driving and thinking about my next writing project when his song “Houston” came on. By the time I was done with my therapeutic drive, I have the basic idea for the weird-retro zombie novella.

What genre does your book fall under?
It's a gritty blend of action, 1980's wester, horror and a touch of romance. It's probably the most diverse tale I've penned thus far.


Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I love this question. I always cast each of my stories like they were going to be films. It must be the frustrated director in me. For “Houston”, I would have Timothy Olyphant or Viggo Mortensen. The part of Stacy-Jo was part real-life casting and a young Michelle Rodriguez. The role of the bad ass Mexican gang leader was tough. I envisioned it being played by a young Danny Trejo.I wanted it to be very much a a modern(modern to 1985) Texas showdown.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
All as Texas Ranger, Jay McCutcheon wanted to do, was to get home to his wife and daughter in Houston, fate and evil had other plans.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It's on spec right now. But my goal is to find a home for it with a solid publisher, who knows how to treat their writers and readers.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Hmm, that's a tough one. It was one of those projects that I had the idea for, started it in a flurry, then I hit a brick wall and another story took my muse away. Then the Texas Ranger smacked me on the back of the noggin, grabbed me by the collar and growled, “Time to get back to me, big guy!” And so...I did. I'd guess it took me about a year. Sad I know, but what can you do. My Muse is a prickly witch.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Oh hell...That's a tough call, considering it's such a miss-mash of ideas. It was heavily inspired by Elmore Leonard's Raylan Givens (“Fire in the Hole” and “Pronto”) considering I've read many of Lansdale's short stories, I'm damn sure his tone and Texas-vibe had its inspiration. I'm thinking you could add Joe McKinney's Dead City to the list.I also absolutely love the way Jonathan Maberry illustrates his combat scenes and I sure hope that love translates into my own writing.
I owe everything to the above writer/mentors! They be the best!

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I may have already answered this in the above question, but I'll add to it here.It was my love of westerns. Mixed with the my other love of zombies, the 1980's and guns and kick ass characters. I guess that is all encapsulated by the brilliant authors , Lansdale, Leonard, McKinney, Maberry. I'm sure there are others but these men just kick ass.
I hope I come at least half-way close to doing them justice.



What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
If huge name-dropping like Joe Lansdale, Jonathan Maberry, Elmore Leonard and Joe McKinney doesn’t peak you're interest, I may have to resort to bribery. Nah, Yeah, if you dig ill-tempered, alcoholic Texas Rangers, kick ass teenage runaways from New York and vile, psychopathic mexican killers, mixed with a zombie apocalypse, all set in Texas in 1985, all I've got is......... Bah, you know you can't wait to read this bloody, violent novella.
Stay tuned my loyal Erbal Nation, because you're going to truly going to want to go back to HOUSTON!

The normal deal with this blog hop thing is to have five other authors to join me but due to all kinds of holiday shenanigans and such, I was able to line up only three. But trust me folks, these three dudes make up ten...
So, with no further ado, here they are:

Skip Novak http://aloysiousthoughts.blogspot.com/Dean Harrison http://deanmharrison.wordpress.com/Darren Gallagher http://darrengallagher.blogspot.com/

THE NEXT BIG "ERBAL" THING BLOG HOP

          
Howdy folks, I hope the the holiday season is being very, very kind to you. All is just golden in the Erbal World.
Let's get down to business.
I was asked by my friend and Canadian writer Mandy DeGeit to participate in this crazy NEXT BIG THING BLOG HOP thingy.
Before I get this blog underway, head on over to Mandy's home and check her out.http://mandydegeit.wordpress.com/
Okay, My current WIP is a retro zombie novella that's in the hand's of some of my beta-readers, but I've gotten some of their notes back and will start my next revision within the week.
Here's a little more detail about this dark, brooding tale.


What is the working title of your book?
The title is “GOING BACK TO HOUSTON” . As with all of my work, everything is inspired by music. From story titles to chapter headings. It's just the way I work and GBTH is a perfect title for this story.

Where did the idea come from for the book?
I've been reading a lot of Joe R. Lansdale and Elmore Leonard and watching one of my favorite television shows, Justified. And I'd finished a zombie novel a couple of years ago and it's been sitting on a shelf in a bad need of a monster revision. But my love for zombies wouldn't die with that project.I was listening to a Dean Martin CD one day while driving and thinking about my next writing project when his song “Houston” came on. By the time I was done with my therapeutic drive, I have the basic idea for the weird-retro zombie novella.

What genre does your book fall under?
It's a gritty blend of action, 1980's wester, horror and a touch of romance. It's probably the most diverse tale I've penned thus far.


Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
I love this question. I always cast each of my stories like they were going to be films. It must be the frustrated director in me. For “Houston”, I would have Timothy Olyphant or Viggo Mortensen. The part of Stacy-Jo was part real-life casting and a young Michelle Rodriguez. The role of the bad ass Mexican gang leader was tough. I envisioned it being played by a young Danny Trejo.I wanted it to be very much a a modern(modern to 1985) Texas showdown.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
All as Texas Ranger, Jay McCutcheon wanted to do, was to get home to his wife and daughter in Houston, fate and evil had other plans.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
It's on spec right now. But my goal is to find a home for it with a solid publisher, who knows how to treat their writers and readers.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Hmm, that's a tough one. It was one of those projects that I had the idea for, started it in a flurry, then I hit a brick wall and another story took my muse away. Then the Texas Ranger smacked me on the back of the noggin, grabbed me by the collar and growled, “Time to get back to me, big guy!” And so...I did. I'd guess it took me about a year. Sad I know, but what can you do. My Muse is a prickly witch.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Oh hell...That's a tough call, considering it's such a miss-mash of ideas. It was heavily inspired by Elmore Leonard's Raylan Givens (“Fire in the Hole” and “Pronto”) considering I've read many of Lansdale's short stories, I'm damn sure his tone and Texas-vibe had its inspiration. I'm thinking you could add Joe McKinney's Dead City to the list.I also absolutely love the way Jonathan Maberry illustrates his combat scenes and I sure hope that love translates into my own writing.
I owe everything to the above writer/mentors! They be the best!

Who or What inspired you to write this book?
I may have already answered this in the above question, but I'll add to it here.It was my love of westerns. Mixed with the my other love of zombies, the 1980's and guns and kick ass characters. I guess that is all encapsulated by the brilliant authors , Lansdale, Leonard, McKinney, Maberry. I'm sure there are others but these men just kick ass.
I hope I come at least half-way close to doing them justice.



What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
If huge name-dropping like Joe Lansdale, Jonathan Maberry, Elmore Leonard and Joe McKinney doesn’t peak you're interest, I may have to resort to bribery. Nah, Yeah, if you dig ill-tempered, alcoholic Texas Rangers, kick ass teenage runaways from New York and vile, psychopathic mexican killers, mixed with a zombie apocalypse, all set in Texas in 1985, all I've got is......... Bah, you know you can't wait to read this bloody, violent novella.
Stay tuned my loyal Erbal Nation, because you're going to truly going to want to go back to HOUSTON!

The normal deal with this blog hop thing is to have five other authors to join me but due to all kinds of holiday shenanigans and such, I was able to line up only three. But trust me folks, these three dudes make up ten...
So, with no further ado, here they are:

Skip Novak http://aloysiousthoughts.blogspot.com/Dean Harrison http://deanmharrison.wordpress.com/Darren Gallagher http://darrengallagher.blogspot.com/

ANTHOCON LEFT ME SPEECHLESS and INSPIRED and The Rule of Three!

As long as I've been attending Horror/Writing conventions, SHROUD/The Four Horsemen have always been there. So when they announced they were going to host their own con, I was excited. I've felt a strong connection to these guys and now that ANTHOCON has successfully executed year two, well. It's going to be even more moby kick ass next year.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. As I often do.
ANTHOCON- 2012 has come and gone and has left me awash in two states. We drove to New Hampshire and I was feeling the beginning effects of a cold, but I'm made of hearty Irish stock so I shrugged it off. After all, this was ANTHO-FREAKIN'-CON!!! I was going to see old friends that I hadn't seen in a year and was going to meet new writers/publishers/artists, and more importantly, new friends. I was so excited. One of my writing goals was to have one of my stories in SHROUD magazine and it finally happened in the #12 issue and I was (in my mind) finally part of the SHROUD writer family.Nothing was going to stop this stubborn sway-back mule from having a great time. That was all, well and good until friday morning. I woke up and my voice was gone. Maybe I left it in Danny's room... Maybe I left it in the lobby of the hotel with. Either way I was hosed. But, once again I was damned determined to make it work. I had amazing people to talk to, panels to be on, readings to do and all that jazz. An Erb would not be denied.
Sadly...I would be.... Crap!
Yup, the voice was no where to be found. I could squeak out words here and there, but they came out in fits of desperation and pleads for understanding. Everyone was so great and tried to understand me. I applaud their effort. Poor bastards.
I soldiered on through the weekend and as I had imagined, it turned out to be an amazing experience in spite my involuntary vow of silence.
But all that aside, I sat on a panel for “New Writer Pitfalls” with Charles Day, Mandy DeGeit and Tracy Carbone and moderated, uber-efficiantly by Kevin Lucia. I really enjoyed the panel and the discussion was solid, honest and sincere. A big round of applause for those folks who attended.
The entire weekend swept by quickly and I am sitting here at our home, in upstate New York and I still feel as if we were still in New Hampshire. I cannot believe it's done. I cannot believe that after an entire year of plotting, planning, emails and “I can't wait to see you” notes have been sent. I'm sitting here in Casa De Erb and staring at the computer screen, with ANTHOCON, a memory.
The white background challenges me to write the words that tell the family I see once a year how we missed them, how it was so damned amazing to hang out and talk. But, the words do come and and they bring wide smiles and an occasional laugh, out loud. That's the beauty of this con. I don't have any bad memories or tainted moments. Nope, just pure, enjoyment and inspiration.
Inspiration- That's why I started attending writing/horror conventions. As an aspiring writer, I needed to get into the action and see what all the hubbub was about. It was a happy accident that most of the hubbub has became friends, family. I can dig that.
I did come away inspired. Re-energized and my Muse must be happy as a pig in slop because I can see the prissy bitch giving me the evil-eye from my Mother's chair in the corner of my office. She's shaking and bouncing up and down, just aching to unleash her unbridled inspiration. I have a strong feeling that once this nasty cold is gone, this humble writer-dude, is going to have his ass handed to him. In a good way. After all, I do have a YA novel to write.
I really wanted to write a long list of folks that made ANTHOCON a stellar success and a killer time. I will jot down a small list of friends that continue to bless me with their friendships and some new folks who were pretty damn cool as well. If I've forgotten you, please know you are on the list as well, my cold medicine-addled brain is doing the best it can. And feel free to add your name to the list, even in pencil, if you want. Shelly, my wife, who makes all things possible and is a far better salesman-(oops, saleswoman) of my work than I ever dreamed of being. She rocks! The Old Schoolers- Scott Cristian Carr, Andrew Wolter, James Roy Daley, Susan Scofield, Michele Mixell, Kelli Owen, Kevin Lucia
The New Crew- Folks that I may have met in passing before or just met this year, either way they rocked and having hung out with them, surely added to the enjoyment of ANTHOCON:Richard Wright, Charles Day, TG Arsenault, Tony Tremblay, Ron Dickie, Mandy DeGeit, Sandy Shelonchik, Brian Shoopman and I'm sure I'm forgetting some. Please find it in your heart to forgive this ill and tired Erb. He know's not what he forgets. (wait, does that even makes sense? Oh well. You get the gist.)
The Teachers of All Schools- Rick Hautala- Thank you so much for the constructive and inspiring words about my novella and I only wish we could have had a two-way conversation. Thank you for being so understanding and just plain cool! Next time, we shall have a great talk. You rock, Sir! Lucy Snyder- Thanks so much for signing the DBNP stuff and putting up with my inability to have a conversation. Next time. Gary Braunbeck- Your Keynote address caused tears in my eyes and passion for writing in my soul. You're task of writing that hellacious short story for Tom Picirilli left me in tears. One reason was because it was so damned funny and the other was because, even though you were dealing with such insane plot elements, you're mastery of telling a gripping, well crafted and fun story never ceases to amaze and inspire me. You sir, are the MAN!
The FOUR HORSEMEN- Guys, Tim, Mark, Danny and Johnny, Kira too, I could fill at least a twenty blogs telling of just how great you all are. But instead, I'll try and sum it all up here. If it wasn't for SHROUD Magazine, I wouldn't be here today. (in the writing sense.) I attended my first convention as a “writer” in 2008. It was at CONtext in Columbus. I had just finished my first serious writing project. A retro-zombie novel that I thought was brilliant. (more on that, in another blog.) The main reason I wanted to go was my writing hero, Brian Keene was going to be there. His books, Ghoul and The Rising were the reasons I started writing. Anyway, my daughter Talana came with me and I was so damn nervous. Out of my comfort zone. Surrounded by strangers and a world I'd never thought I'd be walking through.
Hold on. I know you're reading this and going, “Ah for Christ's sake, get to the point ERB!” Chill, I'm getting there. I promise.
So, I was scared crapless and met Brian and he was amazing, open and friendly. Good deal. The next night was the SHROUD Party. I still didn't know anyone really so I was scared to go. Yeah, I admit it. This big bear of a guy, was scared to walk into a room full of real writers and fans and didn't know what do to. Well, my daughter took the lead. She took a handful of my business cards and shoved them into my hand and said. “Dad, I want you to go into that party and don't come out until you hand out at least three of your cards to people you don't know.” She gave me that look that reminded me of both my Mom and her Step-Mom, Shelly. I knew I was screwed. So I went into the SHROUD party and grabbed a drink. I found a safe place against a wall near the make-shift bar. A big dude wearing a SHROUD t-shirt offered me a beer and told me it was okay for me to hang out there. Tim Deal was his name and he was the first person I gave my card to. That night I met all the 4 Horsemen and Sheldon and Linda Higdon. ALL whom have become my family. And I wouldn't be here today, having been in anthologies, edited anthologies, have novellas coming out, sitting on panels and working on a novel if it wasn't for SHROUD /ANTHCON and the Four Horsemen. So, yeah, the tale may have been long, but it all makes sense. That is why SHROUD and ANTHOCON mean so much to this humble writing Erb. And that's why we will attend every year, as long as they keep hosting it. Even if the con stops, we will be coming any way and knocking on Johnny, Mark, Tim and Danny's doors until one of those bastards let us in.
You see what the Horsemen dragged in? Now the Erb is here to stay!!!
Those who were missed: Sheldon and Linda Higdon, Jackie and Dan Gamber. A LOT!!!!
If you've never attended an ANTHOCON....well. Take it from me, DO IT!!!!!!

ANTHOCON LEFT ME SPEECHLESS and INSPIRED and The Rule of Three!

As long as I've been attending Horror/Writing conventions, SHROUD/The Four Horsemen have always been there. So when they announced they were going to host their own con, I was excited. I've felt a strong connection to these guys and now that ANTHOCON has successfully executed year two, well. It's going to be even more moby kick ass next year.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. As I often do.
ANTHOCON- 2012 has come and gone and has left me awash in two states. We drove to New Hampshire and I was feeling the beginning effects of a cold, but I'm made of hearty Irish stock so I shrugged it off. After all, this was ANTHO-FREAKIN'-CON!!! I was going to see old friends that I hadn't seen in a year and was going to meet new writers/publishers/artists, and more importantly, new friends. I was so excited. One of my writing goals was to have one of my stories in SHROUD magazine and it finally happened in the #12 issue and I was (in my mind) finally part of the SHROUD writer family.Nothing was going to stop this stubborn sway-back mule from having a great time. That was all, well and good until friday morning. I woke up and my voice was gone. Maybe I left it in Danny's room... Maybe I left it in the lobby of the hotel with. Either way I was hosed. But, once again I was damned determined to make it work. I had amazing people to talk to, panels to be on, readings to do and all that jazz. An Erb would not be denied.
Sadly...I would be.... Crap!
Yup, the voice was no where to be found. I could squeak out words here and there, but they came out in fits of desperation and pleads for understanding. Everyone was so great and tried to understand me. I applaud their effort. Poor bastards.
I soldiered on through the weekend and as I had imagined, it turned out to be an amazing experience in spite my involuntary vow of silence.
But all that aside, I sat on a panel for “New Writer Pitfalls” with Charles Day, Mandy DeGeit and Tracy Carbone and moderated, uber-efficiantly by Kevin Lucia. I really enjoyed the panel and the discussion was solid, honest and sincere. A big round of applause for those folks who attended.
The entire weekend swept by quickly and I am sitting here at our home, in upstate New York and I still feel as if we were still in New Hampshire. I cannot believe it's done. I cannot believe that after an entire year of plotting, planning, emails and “I can't wait to see you” notes have been sent. I'm sitting here in Casa De Erb and staring at the computer screen, with ANTHOCON, a memory.
The white background challenges me to write the words that tell the family I see once a year how we missed them, how it was so damned amazing to hang out and talk. But, the words do come and and they bring wide smiles and an occasional laugh, out loud. That's the beauty of this con. I don't have any bad memories or tainted moments. Nope, just pure, enjoyment and inspiration.
Inspiration- That's why I started attending writing/horror conventions. As an aspiring writer, I needed to get into the action and see what all the hubbub was about. It was a happy accident that most of the hubbub has became friends, family. I can dig that.
I did come away inspired. Re-energized and my Muse must be happy as a pig in slop because I can see the prissy bitch giving me the evil-eye from my Mother's chair in the corner of my office. She's shaking and bouncing up and down, just aching to unleash her unbridled inspiration. I have a strong feeling that once this nasty cold is gone, this humble writer-dude, is going to have his ass handed to him. In a good way. After all, I do have a YA novel to write.
I really wanted to write a long list of folks that made ANTHOCON a stellar success and a killer time. I will jot down a small list of friends that continue to bless me with their friendships and some new folks who were pretty damn cool as well. If I've forgotten you, please know you are on the list as well, my cold medicine-addled brain is doing the best it can. And feel free to add your name to the list, even in pencil, if you want. Shelly, my wife, who makes all things possible and is a far better salesman-(oops, saleswoman) of my work than I ever dreamed of being. She rocks! The Old Schoolers- Scott Cristian Carr, Andrew Wolter, James Roy Daley, Susan Scofield, Michele Mixell, Kelli Owen, Kevin Lucia
The New Crew- Folks that I may have met in passing before or just met this year, either way they rocked and having hung out with them, surely added to the enjoyment of ANTHOCON:Richard Wright, Charles Day, TG Arsenault, Tony Tremblay, Ron Dickie, Mandy DeGeit, Sandy Shelonchik, Brian Shoopman and I'm sure I'm forgetting some. Please find it in your heart to forgive this ill and tired Erb. He know's not what he forgets. (wait, does that even makes sense? Oh well. You get the gist.)
The Teachers of All Schools- Rick Hautala- Thank you so much for the constructive and inspiring words about my novella and I only wish we could have had a two-way conversation. Thank you for being so understanding and just plain cool! Next time, we shall have a great talk. You rock, Sir! Lucy Snyder- Thanks so much for signing the DBNP stuff and putting up with my inability to have a conversation. Next time. Gary Braunbeck- Your Keynote address caused tears in my eyes and passion for writing in my soul. You're task of writing that hellacious short story for Tom Picirilli left me in tears. One reason was because it was so damned funny and the other was because, even though you were dealing with such insane plot elements, you're mastery of telling a gripping, well crafted and fun story never ceases to amaze and inspire me. You sir, are the MAN!
The FOUR HORSEMEN- Guys, Tim, Mark, Danny and Johnny, Kira too, I could fill at least a twenty blogs telling of just how great you all are. But instead, I'll try and sum it all up here. If it wasn't for SHROUD Magazine, I wouldn't be here today. (in the writing sense.) I attended my first convention as a “writer” in 2008. It was at CONtext in Columbus. I had just finished my first serious writing project. A retro-zombie novel that I thought was brilliant. (more on that, in another blog.) The main reason I wanted to go was my writing hero, Brian Keene was going to be there. His books, Ghoul and The Rising were the reasons I started writing. Anyway, my daughter Talana came with me and I was so damn nervous. Out of my comfort zone. Surrounded by strangers and a world I'd never thought I'd be walking through.
Hold on. I know you're reading this and going, “Ah for Christ's sake, get to the point ERB!” Chill, I'm getting there. I promise.
So, I was scared crapless and met Brian and he was amazing, open and friendly. Good deal. The next night was the SHROUD Party. I still didn't know anyone really so I was scared to go. Yeah, I admit it. This big bear of a guy, was scared to walk into a room full of real writers and fans and didn't know what do to. Well, my daughter took the lead. She took a handful of my business cards and shoved them into my hand and said. “Dad, I want you to go into that party and don't come out until you hand out at least three of your cards to people you don't know.” She gave me that look that reminded me of both my Mom and her Step-Mom, Shelly. I knew I was screwed. So I went into the SHROUD party and grabbed a drink. I found a safe place against a wall near the make-shift bar. A big dude wearing a SHROUD t-shirt offered me a beer and told me it was okay for me to hang out there. Tim Deal was his name and he was the first person I gave my card to. That night I met all the 4 Horsemen and Sheldon and Linda Higdon. ALL whom have become my family. And I wouldn't be here today, having been in anthologies, edited anthologies, have novellas coming out, sitting on panels and working on a novel if it wasn't for SHROUD /ANTHCON and the Four Horsemen. So, yeah, the tale may have been long, but it all makes sense. That is why SHROUD and ANTHOCON mean so much to this humble writing Erb. And that's why we will attend every year, as long as they keep hosting it. Even if the con stops, we will be coming any way and knocking on Johnny, Mark, Tim and Danny's doors until one of those bastards let us in.
You see what the Horsemen dragged in? Now the Erb is here to stay!!!
Those who were missed: Sheldon and Linda Higdon, Jackie and Dan Gamber. A LOT!!!!
If you've never attended an ANTHOCON....well. Take it from me, DO IT!!!!!!

"Pickin' & Grinnin'" A short story.

AVIALABLE NOW You Kindle and Nook Crazies!!!!
"Pickin' & Grinnin'" just for you!





                                                Edited by Ty Schwamberger
                                         Cover Art/Design: Thomas A. Erb

SynopsisPeople have always been fascinated about the past. Some even going to great lengths to uncover what’s taken place long ago. But sometimes when people venture into locations that aren’t suitable for the living, bad things can happen. That’s when these self-proclaimed explorers start to unearth strange looking, ancient artifacts and the cursed remains of the once-living. They think they’re going to be rich and famous. But, that might just be the furthest from the truth. To them, taking that risk is what it’s all about…until things start to go wrong. So, for those of you into ‘finding’ strange things, here are some words of advice… Proceed with caution when digging up someone else’s Relics & Remains.
Table of Contents
“Good For What Ails Ya” by Mike Oliveri“Many Faces” by Wrath James White“Centuries of Torment” by Adam P. Lewis“The Black Diamond” by Michael Laimo“Caroline’s Playhouse” by Dean Harrison“The Painter” by Deborah LeBlanc“Rachel Alhazred’s Tablet” by Steven L. Shrewsbury“Adrift” by Dora Machado“Monkey Paw 2.0” by Tim Deal“Pickin’ & Grinnin’” by Thomas A. Erb“Whispers at the End of Creation” by Maurice Broaddus“Nailed” by John Everson“’Chomp’ A Cautionary Tale” by Jeff Strand

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MK0ilDBONS8&feature=share&list=UU5-_ze3SzwV2Rb_0cLFPEGA
Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Relics-Remains-Anthology-Chilling-ebook/dp/B00A0AJ6BO/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1351864918&sr=1-2
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/relics-and-remains/1113727448?ean=2940015930443

The Trade Paperback will be available for purchase the week of 11/5.Check out the book trailer!

"Pickin' & Grinnin'" A short story.

Relics & Remains
 I’m pleased to announce that my creepy, quirky short story, "Pickin' & Grinnin' " will be included in this great anthology. Relics & Remains has been picked up by E-Volve Books (Naked Snake Press). Below are the other stories by some amazingly talented writers that I am proud to share the same books with.
Table of ContentsGood For What Ails Ya by Mike Oliveri Many Faces by Wrath James White Centuries of Torment by Adam P. Lewis The Black Diamond by Michael Laimo Caroline’s Playhouse by Dean Harrison The Painter by Deborah LeBlanc Rachel Alhazred’s Tablet by Steven L. Shrewsbury Adrift by Dora Machado Monkey Paw 2.0 by Tim Deal Pickin’ & Grinin’ by Thomas A. Erb Whispers at the End of Creation by Maurice Broaddus Nailed by John Everson “Chomp” A Cautionary Tale by Jeff Strand
SynopsisPeople have always been fascinated about the past. Some even going to great lengths to uncover what’s taken place long ago. But sometimes when people venture into locations that aren’t suitable for the living, bad things can happen. That’s when these self-proclaimed explorers start to unearth strange looking, ancient artifacts and the cursed remains of the once-living. They think they’re going to be rich and famous. But, that might just be the furthest from the truth. To them, taking that risk is what it’s all about…until things start to go wrong. So, for those of you into ‘finding’ strange things, here’s some words of advice… Proceed with caution when digging up someone else’s Relics & Remains.Relics & Remains will be released around Halloween 2012 in Trade Paperback and eBook.
Check out the book trailer!